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sales@viglaciers.comHike to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain – 8 Days
Trip Itinerary
Experience the wonders of hiking to Machu Picchu and the iconic Rainbow Mountain in the Andes of Peru.
Hike to Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain in Peru is perfect for those who wish to know the ancient Incan history and enjoy outdoor adventure. Hiking up to the multicolor mountain in Peru is bound to be unlike anything else one has ever seen on an adventurous trip. Exploring the Peruvian highlands’ living history and breathtaking scenery in this incredible experience will leave you dumbfounded. In the sacred valley, you will visit the Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo to witness the monumental architecture. Next, you will begin hiking to reach the Machu Picchu citadel high above the Urubamba Mountain Range.
The final phase of this tour will be a short hike up to the Rainbow Mountain, which is locally known as Vinicunca, or the mountain of seven colors. The elevation of Rainbow Mountain is 5,200m/17,060ft, and while the trail is mostly flat until the final ascent, the high altitude may pose challenges for some hikers. We recommend our clients walk at a relaxed pace during this hike. The best time to hike to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain is during Dry Season (May to September). These months offer predictable weather, and the chances of clear skies for vibrant photos of the colorful mountain and excellent visibility of the archaeological site are higher.
- Architecture and Historical Significance of Machu Picchu
- Immerse in Andean Culture and Traditions
- Breathtaking Sunrise at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
- Hike to Rainbow Mountain, a spectacular rock formation
- Visit Sacred Valley and roam Pisac Market
- Magnificent views of the Incan capital of Cusco
- Photogenic view of the ever-changing colors of Rainbow Mountain
Overview
Arrival City
Cusco,Peru
Departure City
Cusco,Peru
Lodging Level
3-Star Hotel (Tierra Viva Cusco)
Meals
6 dinner, 7 breakfast, 5 lunch
Trip Grade
Moderate
Maximum Altitude
4,215m/13,829ft
Attractions
Machu Picchu, The Dead Woman’s Pass, Incan sites, Farming in Wayllabamba, The Sacred Valley, Archeological Park
Activity
Trekking and Hiking, Nature and Wildlife
Styles
Active Adventures, Family Holiday
Outline Itinerary
| Itinerary | Maximum Altitude | Walking/Hiking |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 Arrive at Cusco International Airport, Peru | 3,400m/11,155ft | - |
| Day 02 Sacred Valley Tour; Pisac and Ollantaytambo Ruins | 2,972m/9,751ft | - |
| Day 03 Drive to Piscacucho (KM 82); trek to Wayllabamba | 3,100m/10,171ft | 5-7 hrs |
| Day 04 Wayllabamba to Pacaymayu | 4,215m/13,829ft | 6-8 hrs |
| Day 05 Pacaymayu to Wiñay Wayna | 3,970m/13,026ft | 6-8 hrs |
| Day 06 Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu; hike to Huayna Picchu & return to Cusco | 2,745m/9,006ft | 6-8 hrs |
| Day 07 Cusco to Rainbow Mountain hike | 3,400m/11,155ft | 6-8 hrs |
| Day 08 Final Departure | 3,400m/11,155ft | - |
- Accommodation in 3-star categories Hotels on Twin Sharing Basis (Includes Breakfast).
- Entrance fee for the places to visit during the itinerary
- Rainbow Mountain tour (includes lunch)
- Welcome and Farewell Dinner in Cusco
- Pick-up and drop-off at Cusco airport
During the Inca trial:
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Professional Cook
- Porters to carry all equipment
- Ground Transportation Facilities.
- 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks (Happy Hour), and 6 Dinners.
- Portable private toilet
- Oxygen bottle and first-aid kit
- Inflatable Thermares or sleeping mattress
- Inflatable pillow
- Tents – Comfortable and spacious 4 people (2 people per tent)
- Tickets to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
During your hike to Macha Pichu and the rainbow mountain, in Cusco, you will be served a welcome dinner upon arrival and will enjoy a farewell dinner before your departure, along with nourishing breakfasts at the hotel where you stay overnight. Throughout the trek, you will have access to three-course meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A professional trekking cook will be responsible for preparing your meals. Additionally, on three separate days during the trek, you can look forward to afternoon snacks, often referred to as ‘Happy Hours.’
(Please let us know ahead of time if you have any dietary preferences or restrictions (vegetarian, non-vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) so that we may meet your needs during the trek.)
Throughout, your Inca trail trek, you will be accommodated at Hotel Moaf Boutique or a similar category of hotel in Cusco. Similarly, as you explore the Sacred Valley, you’ll be accommodated in tented camps, experiencing the unique atmosphere of the Andean outdoors. While on Inca trail hiking, hotels serve rooms on the basis of twin-sharing with an attached bathroom and hot shower facilities. Single supplement rooms are served with an extra charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Incan citadel is located in the Machupicchu District within Urubamba Province above the Sacred Valley, in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru. It lies on a mountain range with an altitude of 2,430m (7,970ft.). Machu Picchu is often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”. The site is actually located on two mountains – Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu. These mountains belong to a chain of high mountains forming parts of the south central Andes. In short, the Machu Picchu site is located in a highly unapproachable part of the upper rainforest region, at nearly 8,000ft., with the Urubamba River flowing past it.
Generally, the best time to hike to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. However, keep in mind that Machu Picchu can be crowded during this time. Shoulder seasons like April and October offer fewer crowds but still good weather.
The difficulty of the hikes varies. The hike to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail or alternative routes like the Salkantay Trek can range from moderate to challenging, depending on the route chosen. The Rainbow Mountain trek is also challenging due to high altitude, steep terrain, and variable weather conditions.
The distance from Lima to Machu Picchu is 503km (312mi) in a straight line, but when traveling, the total route covers 1280km (795mi). There is no option of reaching Machu Picchu from Lima directly. First, you have to get to Cusco from Lima. You can reach Cusco either by a domestic flight, car, bus, or train. Apparently, taking a flight to Cusco from Lima is the fastest way, which takes just over an hour and a half, to reach the destination.
The government of Peru have introduced various controls to minimize human impact on the trail up to the ancient city. They have restricted the number of people, including visitors, guides and porters to 500 each day. It simply means that if you wish to trek on the Inca Trail, you have to get your permit beforehand. You can get a permit to the Inca trail only through a government registered travel operator. It means that you are not allowed to trek the Inca trail independently. It is quite interesting to know that all of the year’s permits are released in October and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
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